WAFCON 2024: Ghana’s Black Queens Fall 3-1 to Nigeria in Final Warm-Up Match
Black Queens Fall to Nigeria in Final WAFCON Warm-Up, Set Sights on Group Stage Battle
Ghana’s senior women’s national team, the Black Queens, wrapped up their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) preparatory campaign with a 3-1 loss to rivals Nigeria at the Lanoria Complex on Sunday, June 29. The match, which marked the team’s final warm-up fixture before the start of the tournament, provided key insights for head coach Lars Kim Björkegren as he finalizes his squad ahead of the continental showdown.
The encounter against the Super Falcons proved to be the toughest test for the Black Queens, who had previously enjoyed back-to-back wins in their earlier friendlies. Ghana began their WAFCON build-up with a solid 3-1 victory over Malawi and followed that up with an impressive 4-2 comeback win against Benin.
However, the Nigerian side—11-time WAFCON champions and one of the tournament’s heavyweights—proved too strong on the day. Goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo, Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala, and Rasheedat Ajibade gave Nigeria a commanding 3-0 lead. Ghana’s Alice Kusi managed to pull one back with a well-taken finish, but it was not enough to mount a comeback.
Despite the defeat, the friendly provided valuable experience for the Ghanaian team, which is aiming to make a strong impression at WAFCON 2024 after missing the previous edition. The team has been in camp in Morocco for several weeks, using the environment and competitive matches to refine tactics, build chemistry, and assess player readiness.
Head coach Björkegren, who has overseen notable improvements in the squad’s attacking play and fitness levels, will now shift focus to the main tournament. The Swedish tactician is expected to announce his final 23-player squad on July 1, just days before the tournament begins on July 5.
Ghana has been drawn into a challenging Group C, which features reigning champions South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania. The group is widely considered one of the toughest in the tournament, and the Black Queens will need to be at their best to progress to the knockout stages.
Returning to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2018, the Black Queens are eager to reestablish themselves as a force in African women’s football. The team boasts a blend of experienced players like Portia Boakye and emerging talents such as Doris Boaduwaa and Comfort Yeboah, who have all impressed during the friendly matches.
The WAFCON 2024 tournament, hosted in Morocco, will run from July 5 to July 26, with 12 teams competing for continental glory and qualification spots for the 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Ghana will open their group campaign with a crucial match against Tanzania before facing Mali and then South Africa.
While the loss to Nigeria served as a reminder of the competition’s intensity, the Black Queens remain optimistic. The coaching staff believes the lessons learned from the defeat, combined with the team’s earlier strong performances, will sharpen their focus and determination heading into the tournament.
As the countdown to WAFCON 2024 continues, Ghanaian fans will be hoping the Black Queens can rise to the occasion and make a deep run in Morocco.
